Italian bicycles make 1,300km to thank Albanian doctors and nurses

A group of Italian bikers traveled 1,300km to thank Albanian doctors and nurses who arrived in Italy at the finals, during the emergency of Covid-19.

Albanian Ambassador to Italy Anila Beatrin Lani and co-ordinator of the Italian government's Technical-Sciential Committee for Emergency COVID-19, Agostino Miozzo, (represented in Albania after the November 26th earthquake as head of the Italian Civil Protection, welcomed the group of Cycllers from Conegino Venito.

The cycle group “Alè Azzuri” travelled more than 1300km, starting with Conegliono Venetto (the former Albanian national team coach Gianni De Biasi). The group arrived at the Albanian Embassy and thanked doctors through videoconference for their dedication at the Brescia hospital.

Initially, the tour included several stops in the Balkans and then reaching the final destination Tirana, where the group of riders would personally thank the medical team and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.

However, restrictions due to COVID-19 forced the group to make changes to this journey. The arrival in Tirana was replaced by metaphorally with that in Piazza Albania in Rome, where the monument of Albanian national hero Gjertrigo Kanderbeu is located.

The video conference also featured Albanian cycling champion Eugert Joupa, who participated four times in Giro d'Italia. In addition, Italian coach Gianni De Biasi was also present. “An exciting and affectionate encounter.

We are excellent friends even in difficult times. Another symbolic and important moment that testifies to the relationship between our countries and our people. A sea of solidarity and brotherhood unites us”, read the Facebook post published by the Albanian Embassy in Italy.